JAUSIERS, France - Riccardo Ricco tried to flee from anti-doping officials who were escorting him after the fourth stage of the Tour de France, which the Italian rider tested positive for the banned blood-booster EPO.

Pierre Bordry, the head of the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) that tested Ricco, explained how the Saunier Duval leader avoided an anti-doping chaperon after the time trial on July 8.

"When he knew he was going to be tested, he went off, and it is the escort who caught him up," Bordry said Tuesday. "He found himself blocked off. There was a traffic jam of cars and he could not get through the cars."

Bordry said AFLD staff had demanded an apology from Ricco.

"We asked him to apologize to the agency and the staff, which he did along with his team director," Bordry said. "We told him that, because of his behaviour, we were now going to test him after each stage. He put a target on himself."

After Ricco's positive test, Saunier Duval quit the race. Ricco and teammate Leonardo Piepoli have since been fired.

LIKE IT?  LET OTHERS KNOW

Thanks for participating!

Be the first to recommend - Sign in now


See what other people are recommending - Popular Stories